Fifth-grade girls from schools across West Hawaii gathered Thursday for the first time in three years to attend GEMS — Girls Exploring Math and Science.
The event, sponsored by the American Association of University Women, featured 10 workshops the students could explore. Each girl chose the three stations they were most interested in ranging from robotics, marine sciences and engineering to the art and science of food and computer programming. In addition to the workshops, exhibits including NASA space missions, Marine protected species, algae, wildlife, coral reefs, robotics and WHEA projects were on display for the girls to explore.
High school students from Kealakehe and WHEA were on hand to lead some of the workshops and act as mentors for the younger girls. Most of the older girls attended GEMS as fifth graders and were delighted to be able to give back to the program.
“This is my second time volunteering,” said Kealakehe senior Jonelyn Rosabia. “GEMS was so fun when I went. It inspires little girls. I remember one station when I went was making a star chart. I’m now going to pursue a degree in physics.”
Justin Brown, STEM teacher at Kealakehe, had a team of his students lead a robotics workshop.
“The majority of my STEM students are female,” he said. “It’s all about awareness and access. When girls start taking engineering in high school it inspires them. It’s all about solving the problems that exist in our community.”
Brown said the GEMS program gets the young girls excited about STEM.
“This event is feeding my program and eventually employers,” he said.
The last time the program was held was in 2019 with over 300 girls attending. Jamie Pardau, co-organizer of the event said this year they limited the number of girls to 160 with all exhibits and workshops held outdoors for a safer environment, and each workshop was limited to 10 girls.
“We came up with a percentage from all the schools and offered the program on a first come first serve basis,” she said.
Kamehameha School’s Kahalu‘u Manowai, which is not yet open to the public, offered the site for the program.
“When they heard what we were doing, they opened it up for us,” said Pardau. “I would say it was a roaring success.”
Olive Langford, fifth grader from Kona Pacific Public Charter School, agreed.
“I really like it. I learned about engineering and sharks,” she said. “When I grow up I want to be a scientist.”
Kealakehe senior Emma Carrier was part of the robotics outreach at the event, and attended as a fifth grader.
“Everyone here from the robotics team wants to give the girls the same opportunity we had. It keeps building year after year, ” she said. “It is a great program to further STEM education. After graduation I’m thinking of studying astrophysics.
“We are thrilled to be back for the girls on the island,” said Pardau.